UPDATE: In a shocking incident earlier this month, Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, heroically intervened to save his beloved Jack Russell, Maud, from a brutal attack by a 10-stone mastiff in Kensington, London. The food writer, 50, described the chaotic scene where “all hell broke loose” as the mastiff broke free from its handler and lunged at his tiny dog.
During the terrifying encounter, Tom’s instinct kicked in. “I launched myself onto the dog, desperately trying to undo his jaws, which were locked, vice-like, on her soft white belly,” he recounted. The attack lasted approximately 30 seconds, but it felt like an eternity to Tom as he fought to save Maud from severe injuries.
In his emotional account published in the Daily Mail, Tom vividly recalled how the mastiff had its jaws clamped onto Maud, who was “shrieking with terror.” The brave father’s actions drew attention from bystanders, with one man reportedly using a walking stick to strike the attacking dog.
Tom successfully freed Maud, but she sustained critical injuries requiring two surgical procedures. The tiny dog, weighing less than one stone, faces the possibility of lasting psychological trauma along with her physical wounds. “Maud is now on the mend, I hope, though not totally out of the woods yet,” Tom shared, expressing his concerns over her recovery.
Despite the severity of the attack, Tom opposes the euthanization of the mastiff. “I don’t want the dog who attacked Maud put down, nor do I want to press charges,” he stated. Instead, he advocates for stricter regulations, suggesting that powerful dogs should be muzzled in public. “Is that too much to ask?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for responsible ownership.
The incident highlights a troubling trend, as police departments across the UK report a significant increase in dog attacks. Notably, Cleveland Police revealed a staggering 163% rise in dog attacks from 2019 to 2024. This alarming statistic raises concerns over the safety of not only pets but also young children, following previous reports of severe dog attacks on minors.
Tom’s experience resonates deeply, particularly as he reflects on the potential dangers posed by large dog breeds. He expressed his fears regarding similar attacks, referencing a recent incident where a young girl sustained over 30 injuries from multiple dogs in Greater Manchester.
As Maud continues her recovery, Tom remains committed to advocating for change in dog ownership practices. “It’s not every day one says that about an insurance company,” he remarked about the efficiency of Petplan, which has been covering Maud’s emergency vet care. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and community safety.
This incident has sparked conversations about dog safety regulations, and many are calling for immediate action to prevent future tragedies. The public is urged to consider the implications of owning powerful breeds and the responsibilities that come with it.
As developments unfold, Tom’s plea for change resonates with many, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with owners to ensure their pets do not pose a threat to others.
